Join Us in Shaping the Future of Specialty Pharmacy

Blue Cross of Idaho is seeking a visionary Pharmacist in Charge (PIC) to play a pivotal role in launching and operationalizing our new specialty pharmacy line of business. In close collaboration with our VP of Pharmacy and Strategy team, this leader will help build a high-performing pharmacy operation from the ground up—while benefiting from the stability and support of a well-established healthcare organization. This is a rare opportunity to be part of an entrepreneurial initiative within a mature company, where innovation meets impact. If you're passionate about specialty pharmacy and excited by the challenge of creating something new, we invite you to explore this unique role.

Position Summary

The Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC) is responsible for establishing and overseeing all pharmacy operations, ensuring full compliance with federal and state regulations, and delivering high-quality pharmaceutical care. This role is essential in development, launching, and sustaining a specialty pharmacy focused on complex specialty pharmacy therapies.

This role requires local Idaho onsite presence and reports to the VP, Pharmacy. #LI-Onsite

Required Qualifications:

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or equivalent degree

• Active pharmacist license in Idaho. Additional state licenses preferred or ability to gain those state licenses

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in specialty or high-volume pharmacy

• Prior PIC experience preferred; startup or buildout experience a plus

• Prior experience with specialty pharmacy processes to gain specialty pharmacy or mail order accreditation

• Strong knowledge of specialty drug operational dispensing workflows

• Strong knowledge of specialty drug inventory management

• Analytical problem solver with hands-on execution capability

• Ability to successfully manage cross-functional teams and external vendors

We'd also love it if you have additional qualifications:

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and leadership skills

• Proven experience in specialty pharmacy startup, construction, or multi-site expansion

• Entrepreneurial attitude that is required for a startup specialty pharmacy

• Ability to support IT resources for successful integration of pharmacy management and clinical patient management systems.

• Support for specialty pharmacy data analytics, interpretation, and KPI dashboarding

• Able to navigate payer policies, prior authorization workflows and familiarity with HUB coordination and Patient Support programs

• Passionate about patient care and operational excellence

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Support for specialty pharmacy buildout

• Ensure facility meets USP <797>/<800>, DEA, and state Board of Pharmacy standards

• Development of operational workflows and processes including prescription intake, reimbursement, dispensing, and inventory management

• Development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for dispensing, inventory, and clinical processes

• Support for coordination of soft launch, pilot testing, and full operational rollout

• Lead daily operations including staffing, scheduling, and outside vendor coordination including pharmacy management and clinical management system providers, contracted couriers, and procurement partners

• Cross-functional collaboration and internal and external business partner communication

Regulatory Compliance

• Management of pharmacy licensing, DEA registration, and accreditation (URAC, ACHC, NABP)

• Ensure adherence to DEA, FDA, HIPAA, and state Board of Pharmacy regulations

• Maintain all required records, logs, and documentation for audits and inspections

• Serve as primary contact for regulatory agencies and licensing bodies

Clinical Oversight

• Managerial oversight of the clinical and dispensing processes and procedures within the specialty pharmacy

• Support for the development of clinical pathways, protocols, and care models for targeted therapies for both internal purposes and external entities including pharma manufacturers and payers

• Define critical metrics and clinical benchmarks for program success

• Monitor adherence, persistence, and adverse event reporting and reconciliation

• Support real-world evidence generation and outcomes-based contracting

Inventory & Supply Chain

• Support for the negotiation of contracts with wholesalers, specialty distributors, GPOs, and courier services

• Oversight of specialty pharmacy purchasing and procurement with previous experience collaborating with wholesalers and group purchasing organizations within prime vendor agreements

• Development and oversight of procedures for procurement, inventory management proper storage, and disposal of specialty medications

• Monitor cold chain integrity, lot-level tracking, and recall procedures

• Ongoing operational leader that facilitates coordination with manufacturers, wholesalers, specialty distributors, and GPOs

Team Management

• Define roles, training plans, and performance metrics

• Hire, train, and supervise pharmacists, technicians, and support staff

• Foster a culture of compliance, patient safety, and continuous improvement

• Development and administration of performance reviews and staff competency assessments

Quality & Reporting

• Implement quality assurance programs and continuous improvement initiatives in conjunction with accreditation requirements and procedures

• Track specialty pharmacy critical metrics such as dispensing accuracy, turnaround time, and patient and provider satisfaction

• Preparation of quality reports for internal leadership and external business partners

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay range is: $146,012 - $219,018. The position is eligible for milestone project bonuses, awarded upon successful completion of key projects and based on defined performance criteria. The pay range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, internal equity, geography, business or organizational needs, and alignment with market data. At Blue Cross of Idaho, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top range for the position. Compensation decisions are dependent on factors and circumstances at the time of offer.

We offer a robust package of benefits including paid time off, paid holidays, community service and self-care days, medical/dental/vision/pharmacy insurance, 401(k) matching and non-contributory plan, life insurance, short and long term disability, education reimbursement, employee assistance plan (EAP), adoption assistance program and paid family leave program. We will adhere to all relevant state and local laws concerning employee leave benefits, in line with our plans and policies.

Reasonable accommodations

To perform this job successfully, you are able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.